First-year students attend rally at UNH

Friday

Aug 23, 2013 at 3:15 AMAug 23, 2013 at 9:54 AM

DURHAM — On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of first-year University of New Hampshire students gathered in the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building at UNH to get amped up for the start to their college career and official move-in happening the next day.

By Crystal A. Weyerscweyers@fosters.com

DURHAM — On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of first-year University of New Hampshire students gathered in the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building at UNH to get amped up for the start to their college career and official move-in happening the next day.

The pre-move-in pep rally, new this year, gave the new students a chance to get acquainted with their future friends and neighbors, resident advisors, Memorial Union Building staff, and the move-in crew.

There were over 400 students and campus members in attendance, all wearing matching navy blue UNH t-shirts. Wild E. Cat and Gnarlz, UNH's Wildcats mascots, were also at the pep rally.

Peter Wilkinson, head of UNH's Residence Hall Association, considers himself UNH's biggest fan. He and Kristin Carpenter, the Assistant Director of Residential Life, thought up the idea to have the pep rally.

“I love everything school spirit,” said Wilkinson. “We've been working to build a better sense of community and I really want people to be proud to attend UNH.”

Wilkinson, a junior majoring in environmental conservation studies, explained, “I like the positive, exuberant energy of a big crowd.”

“The idea for the pep rally came right from the students,” said Kathy Irla-Chesney, the Director of Housing. “The RHA thought it up as a way to get us excited so that the freshman get excited too.”

“We wanted to make sure that when first-year students hit this campus tomorrow that they will instantly know that they will be ok here,” said Carpenter.

The first day of college can be a nerve-racking experience as most freshman won't know many, or any, other students and will be living away from home for the first time.

“If you said you weren't nervous when you moved in, you were totally lying,” said Heidi Guigere to the crowd full of students and returning residential advisors. “So we're here with all of our energy to show freshman why UNH rocks!”

The group got riled up with high-energy UNH spirit chants and a few different bonding-type games, including a massive tournament of rock-paper-scissors. Students also shared a strange fact about him/herself to a stranger. Some strange facts included putting ketchup on potato chips and two girls demonstrated their ability to fit their fist in their mouth. Others simply found friends that they shared similarities with.

The room was overflowing with noise, conversations, and school spirit.

“I'm excited,” said sophomore Subha Singh. “I get to meet all of the RAs and friends that I haven't seen over the summer. It helps get us all pumped up.”

The Residence Hall Association is comprised of volunteer students who aim to improve residential life at UNH. According to their website, “The RHA promotes a safe and enriching environment by transforming residents' concerns into actions.”

“I feel pretty good,” said sophomore Shawna Kilcoyne of the pep rally. “I'm glad to be helping with move-in day. I have a freshman roommate who I'm excited to meet.”

“Link arms, we're all Wildcats,” Olivia Fiore announced toward the end of the pep rally. Everyone, arms linked, then began chanting and jumping up and down.

“It's to get everyone so pumped!” Said Amy Whitney, Assistant Director of Housing. “It's exciting, this is the first time we've done this.”

“When we were all jumping, the ceiling beneath us was shaking,” Carpenter added after giving her final welcome to the new Wildcats.

The event aimed to ease tensions and introduce freshman to what it means to be a Wildcat and it did just that.

“It's a great day to be a Wildcat!” event members yelled to the crowd. “Everyday's a great way to be a Wildcat!” they returned.

The residence halls open at 9 a.m. today for students to begin moving into their new dorms. Students returning to UNH will move-in on Sunday, August 25, at 9 a.m. and classes will begin for the fall semester on Monday morning.